City and County officials gathered on Thursday, August 7th for a groundbreaking ceremony in uptown Shelby. After almost four years and persistent dedication, Greg Traywick, Cleveland County Extension Director, saw his dream become a reality. The construction of the new Foothills Farmers’ Market shade pavilion has begun at the corner of West Marion and Morgan Streets. The new facility will house the Foothills Farmers’ Market long-term and will have restrooms and a walk-in refrigerator/freezer. The shade pavilion will provide a covered area which will be available for future events in uptown Shelby such as: entertainment, social functions, corporate and private events.
Traywick said: “What is exciting, is that it gives us a more efficient facility to serve the community in a safe and secure environment. It also allows the possibility of expanding the Foothills Farmers’ Market to operate on more days with extended hours. This is definitely a win-win situation for Cleveland County, uptown Shelby and market vendors.”
Construction of the shade pavilion is scheduled to be completed by Christmas and will be open for the 2015 market season.
Foothills Farmers’ Market Shade Pavilion Ground Breaking – Pictured l-r: Jim Earl, market vendor (standing in back); Greg Traywick, County Extension Director; Loyd Lewis, market vendor; Eric Hendrick, City Council ; Tammy Bass, Community Transformation Catalyst; Dicky Amaya, Council Member/Mayor pro tempore; Randy Gore, USDA Rural Development State Director; Warren Smith, USDA Rural Development Area Director; Stan Anthony, Mayor of Shelby and Mark Patterson, Chief Architect.
- M.A. Andrews